TiE Chandigarh Newsletter

Mr. Advait Upadhyay

Treasurer & Joint Secretary

Note from the Treasurer & Joint Secretary

The month of November was dedicated to delivering promised commitments to our esteemed institutional & academic members,associated embassies and our community members.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, co-sponsors, partners and volunteers for extending their support to TiE Chandigarh in making all promised deliverables successful.

At TiE Chandigarh, we are more than just a network—we are a collective force of “change-makers, visionaries, and problem-solvers.” Every challenge you face is an opportunity for growth, and every idea you have is a spark that could ignite the next big transformation. Together, we are creating an ecosystem where innovation thrives and entrepreneurial dreams turn into reality.

Whether you are just starting or have already scaled your business, remember that no journey is too small, and no challenge is too great. Success is built on persistence, learning, and collaboration. Keep pushing boundaries, stay open to new ideas, and, most importantly, stay connected with this incredible community. You are not alone—TiE Chandigarh is here to support you at every step.

We encourage all our members to continue sharing their ideas, challenges, and feedback with us. Your engagement is what drives the success of our chapter.

Thank you for your continued support and active participation. We look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming events!

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

Meet the Leadership across the Chapters

TiE Chandigarh organized a leadership session at AIC,ISB Mohali,bringing together chapter presidents across India. The event aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem through shared experiences,strategic discussions, and collaborations

Our Esteemed Speakers:

Mr. Ashfaq Shilliwala (President, TiE Surat & Founder, TransForm Solutions)
Mr. Maulik Bhansali (President, TiE Vadodara & CEO, NetWeb Software )
Mr. Sriram Subramanya (President, TiE Chennai & Chairman, Nasscom, Founder, MD & CEO Integra)
Moderator - Mr. Satish Kumar Arora (President, TiE Chandigarh & Co-Founder, AppSmartz & GameSee)

The session facilitated constructive exchanges between chapter leaders and attendees, drawing upon shared expertise to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the entrepreneurial domain.

Entrepreneurship And Entrepreneurial Mindset

As part of the TiE U Program 2024-25, TiE Chandigarh organized a dynamic session on Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurial Mindset session, led by Mr Brahm Alreja, General Secretary, TiE Chandigarh and Founder & Director Innovative Incentives & Rewards Pvt.Ltd.at Plaksha University.

The session featured interactive discussions and real-worldexamples,covering key aspects such as:

Traits and Skills
Cultural Expectations
Engineering & Innovation

This engaging session empowered attendees to think beyond traditional business boundaries and develop the skills to succeed in diverse fields.

Brand Positioning & Digital Presence

As part of the dynamic TiE U Program 2024-25, the TiE Chandigarh chapter hosted an enlightening session on Brand Positioning and Digital Presence, led by Ms Heena Kataria, Founder & CEO MerakiAds at the Fraser Valley India | University of the Fraser Valley on November 7th.

Key highlights of the session:

The Essence of a Brand

The Impact of Brand Perception

Building a Compelling Brand Identity

Uncovering the "Why" of Your Brand

The session equipped attendees with practical tools and strategies to enhance their brand positioning and digital presence in today’s competitive market.

Effective IP and FDA Strategies for Startups and Growing Pharma Companies

TiE Chandigarh in collaboration with the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), SASNAGAR, Mohali hosted a session on Effective IP and FDA Strategies. The session was dedicated to helping pharma innovators and growing businesses navigate the complexities of IP and FDA regulations.

Speaker : Mr. Shashank Upadhye, Founding Partner at Upadhye Tang LLP(Chicago, IL), an IP & FDA boutique law firm shared his extensive experience in supporting businesses navigate regulatory and intellectual property challenges.

How to Present a Business Plan

TiE Chandigarh, in collaboration with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) ,SAS NAGAR , Mohali, hosted an engaging and interactive session on How to Present a Business Plan with Ritika Singh,Founder & CEO of Kontent Factory.

Ritika Singh shared essential strategies on:

Ground Prep: Planning your pitch according to time,knowing yourfacts,and perfecting your attitude.

Actual Presentation: Telling your story with facts, validation, research,conviction,and passion.

The Ask: Clearly defining the amount required, usage split,and exit plan for investors.

Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Mindset

TiE Chandigarh, in collaboration with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), SAS NAGAR, Mohali, hosted an engaging and interactive session on Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Mindset with Mr Atul Pathria, Founder & CEO of Quinji Tech.

This session was not just about theory –Mr. Pathria made it practical and dynamic! Students were challenged to form teams of 4 through a Google Form, create their business ideas, and pitch them in just 2 minutes. The hands-on activity allowed students to hone their pitching skills, think on their feet, and receive real-time feedback from Mr.Pathria.

Startup Challenges & Funding

TiE Chandigarh, in collaboration with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) ,SAS NAGAR , Mohali, hosted an engaging and interactive session on Startup Challenges and Funding, by CA Sahil Makkar,Managing Director Punjab Angels Network.

The session highlighted the 4S’s of Business and also provided clarity on essential terminologies an aspiring entrepreneur needs to know like Founder Agreements, Shareholder Agreements, Valuation, Term Sheets, Exit Strategies, Preference Shares, and SAFE Notes, equipping attendees with tools to navigate their entrepreneurship journey.

A Real Life Story of an Entrepreneur

TiE Chandigarh, incollaboration with the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), SASNAGAR, Mohali recently hosted an engaging and interactive session featuring the incredible journey of entrepreneur Ms. Kanika Raajdev, Founder & CEO of Mindcog.

Ms. Kanika Raajdev captivated the audience with her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, offering students valuable exposure into the challenges and triumphs of starting and scaling a business. Her story deeply resonated, highlighting the importance of resilience, innovation, and passion in achieving success.

Lean Canvas / Business Plan

TiE Chandigarh, in collaboration with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), SAS NAGAR, Mohali, hosted an engaging and interactive session diving deep into the world of Lean Canvas with Nitin Jain, Director at VT Netzwelt.

The session explored how Lean Canvas can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs, offering a one page tool that enables the efficient validation of ideas and concepts.

Mentorship Session on Water Saving Technologies in Agriculture, Industry, & Urban Settings

On November 5, the first mentorship session of the WATER INNOVATE Program, incollaboration with the Embassy of Israel in India,took place with Mr. Ravid Levy, an expert in water management. During the session, startups presented key challenges and focus areas, including:

Data Accessibility
Water Credit System
Israel's Water Model

The session facilitated meaningfuldiscussions and promoted collaborationbetween Israeli and Indian startups,driving innovation in water management.

Mentorship Session on AI Product Design

TiE Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel in India, successfully concluded the second mentorship session of the WATER INNOVATE Program on November, 12. This session, led by Mr.Garvitraj Pandey, Senior UI/UX Designer , focused on AI Product Design, emphasizing the creation of user-friendly products that effectively integrate AI technologies.

The WATER INNOVATE Program is a collaborative initiative between TiE Chandigarh and the Embassy of Israel in India, aiming to foster innovation in water sustainability through artificial intelligence. The program offers a platform for students and startups to contribute to the sustainable future ofwater by developing innovative AI solutions.

Mentorship Session on Agricultural Water Management

TiE Chandigarh, as part of the WATER INNOVATE Program in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel in India, successfully concluded third mentorship session led by Dr. Sunil A. Patil , Associate Professor at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali on November, 19.
Dr.Patil provided in-depth insights into agricultural water management in India, covering key topics such as:

An overview of agricultural water management practices
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and its impact
The reuse of treated sewage in agriculture, including its current scenario and benefits
Challenges in agricultural water management and effective counter-strategies

The session offered valuable perspectives for innovators and entrepreneurs looking to address water management challenges in agriculture, contributing to a sustainable future for water use in India.

Mentorship Session on WATER INNOVATE Program

The 4th Mentorship Session of the WATER INNOVATE Program was held on November 26, 2024, featuring Ms. Noa Muzzafi , a seasoned expert in business development and scaling strategies. During the session, Ms. Muzzafi shared valuable lessons from her own journey in India and discussed the evolving water sector in Israel, shedding light on Israel’s innovation ecosystem and its contributions to global water management.

She also presented compelling statistics about Israel’s leadership in water technology and the role of innovation in addressing global water challenges. Ms. Muzzafi highlighted the importance of effective communication when scaling a business, providing practical tips on crafting messages that resonate with diverse audiences, especially when expanding into new markets.

One of the key takeaways was the concept of adaptation—how maintaining the same brand while localizing the name, language, and cultural approach can significantly impact the success of scaling efforts. She illustrated this point with examples from her experiences, emphasizing the need to understand and embrace local culture and market dynamics when expanding globally.

The session was a rich blend of practical advice, strategic recommendations, and inspiring stories from Israel’s innovation ecosystem, offering participants a clear roadmap for scaling their ventures in the water sector.

Mentorship Session on AI Policy & Regulatory

The 5th mentorship session of the Water Innovate Program focused on AI policy and regulation, led by Ms. Maya Sherman. Key highlights included:

AI Ethics & Bias Mitigation
Global AI Regulatory Landscape
Tech for Social Impact
Digital Inclusion & Workforce Transformation
AI Regulation & Ethical Frameworks

This session reinforced the need for ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI development to drive positive societal impact.

1st Session at DCM YES School under TYE Global program

The TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program is dedicated to igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in high school students, preparing them for a future full of opportunities. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure, TYE equips students (Class 9th to 12th) to develop innovative ideas, form impactful teams, and compete at both local and global platforms.

In line with this Mr. Soumyajit Chakraborty, SoftProdigy, shared his journey of overcoming early challenges, where persistence turned setbacks into stepping stones. Despite facing five initial failures, his sixth venture succeeded, highlighting the importance of determination, learning, and adaptability in achieving goals.

Additionally, CA Ms Deepinder Kaur, Parshotam & Associates provided practical knowledge on startup registration, business entity options, and the benefits of the Startup India Scheme, offering students valuable tools for launching their own ventures.

Second session of the TYE Global program at DCM YES School

Jaswinder Singh, Director & CEO at Tech Prastish Software Solutions Pvt Ltd, led the session on creating prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). By Leveraging tools like QR codes and chatbots, students participated in brainstorming activities that allowed them to bring their startup ideas to life. This hands-on session not only sharpened their technical skills but also encouraged creative problem-solving.

Ravinder Gulati, Marketer & Content Creator at Marketers’ Den, shared strategies for branding and marketing, guiding students to craft meaningful logos and slogans that resonated with their startup visions. Integrating branding with prototypes developed earlier, this workshop offered a comprehensive approach to shaping their entrepreneurial concepts.

Together, we are empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality and prepare for a future full of possibilities.

Press Conference Cricket League 2024

The TiE Chandigarh Cricket League 2024, presented by smartData Enterprises, was officially announced during a press conference earlier this year. This event underscores Punjab's dedication to promoting growth, innovation, and community engagement through sports.

The league has garnered significant attention, with various organizations participating and contributing to its success.

For a closer look at the press conference and insights into the league, you can watch the official announcement video below: https://youtu.be/B_3OEKtDXrQ

TiE Chandigarh Cricket League 2024

TiE Chandigarh Cricket League 2024: A Grand Success! Date: November 26 - December 1, 2024 Location: Launching Pad Cricket Academy, Mohali

The TiE Chandigarh Cricket League, powered by smartData Enterprises Inc., successfully brought together the entrepreneurial community for an exciting series of cricket matches. Over the course of 6 days, 18 teams competed in 38 action-packed matches, captivating an audience of 43,000+ views. The event seamlessly blended sportsmanship with entrepreneurship, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and competition.

Powered by: Tech Prastish Software Solutions Pvt Ltd Cash Prize Sponsor: Access Infotech Pvt Ltd

Key dignitaries included S. Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Labour & Industries, and Rural Development & Panchayats; Ms. Maya Sherman, AI Literacy Lead, GPAI-OECD; and Ms. Upasana Sharma, President of TiE Toronto. The event was organized with support from our event coordinators, umpires, and volunteers, ensuring its seamless execution.

In a thrilling finale, smartData Enterprises clinched the championship title, exemplifying resilience, strategy, and teamwork. Their victory not only highlighted their cricketing prowess but also underscored the values of collaboration and excellence that TiE Chandigarh champions. For a glimpse into the excitement of the league, watch the official event video: link .

Members Connect Program

In December 2024, TiE Chandigarh launched its Member Connect Program with focused sessions at the AIC, ISB Mohali.

Members received their official TiE membership certificates during the session. The program opened channels for direct feedback and sparked conversations about strengthening our entrepreneurial community.

These sessions provided a platform for both new and existing members to engage with the leadership team, discuss growth strategies, and receive their official TiE membership certificates. The initiative aimed to strengthen connections within the entrepreneurial community, gather valuable feedback, and foster collaboration among members.

For more information about the Member Connect Program and upcoming events, please visit the official TiE Chandigarh website or follow their social media channels for the latest updates.

Media & PR

Our Media & PR Core Team is not just covering news; they are curating the story of TiE's journey with passion and precision. Their work has already brought key developments to the forefront, illuminating the achievements of our members and highlighting the vibrant pulse of our entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through their efforts, TiE's voice grows stronger, ensuring that our milestones are seen, heard and celebrated far and wide. This team will craft narratives that not only reflect our present accomplishments but also shape the vision of what's to come. Their dedication ensures that every breakthrough and every success story becomes a beacon, positioning TiE as a leader in the global entrepreneurial arena.